Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement

Welcome to the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE)!

DPIE is the result of an initiative to streamline county government operations in the areas of permitting, business licensing, inspections and property code enforcement.

Welcome to DPIE! (YouTube)

¡Bienvenido al sitio web de DPIE!

Puede acceder a la información en español yendo al botón de Google Translate en la parte inferior derecha de esta página y seleccionando Español. Para ver información especial para residentes y grupos comunitarios, haga clic en Recursos en el lado izquierdo de esta página, luego haga clic en Publicaciones. Para obtener más información, envíe un correo electrónico a dpiepio@co.pg.md.us.

We Are Open!

Starting Wednesday, September 1, 2021, the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE) will open the doors of our Largo Headquarters at 9400 Peppercorn Place to the public for limited walk-through permit services and assistance. Our reopening is highlighted by the opening of our Permit Center and the launch of the new Virtual Permit Café (VPC), which allows customers to submit their application and documents, interact with a plan reviewer (when necessary) and pay for their permit online. The initial launch will be for eligible homeowner permits only with future launches to include all walk-through eligible permits. More information about utilizing the Virtual Permit Café can be found on our website and in the additional details listed below. DPIE is committed to the safety and security of our visitors and staff. We ask that you follow the guidelines posted and communicated by our staff. We are excited to have you back and look forward, as always, to providing you outstanding customer service.

Sincerely,
Melinda Bolling
Director

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The DPIE Building Is Open for Appointments

Please contact the appropriate division for assistance or an appointment. 

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Momentum logo showing green & blue letter M in a circle

Momentum

DPIE has transitioned to Momentum for processing permits and licenses. Beginning with Phase 1, all Prince George's County Business and Rental Licenses are now processed in Momentum.

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Momentum Will Be Off-Line for Scheduled Maintenance 

To better serve our customers, we will be upgrading Momentum. The system will be unavailable from Thursday, October 21 – Sunday, October 24. The system will be available again on Monday, October 25.

Thank you for your patience as we continue to improve our information technology systems.

Momentum logo showing green & blue letter M in a circle
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NEW Inspections Number to Schedule an Inspection, pics of work on phone and framing of bldg
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New Process for Prince George’s County Health Permits & Licenses

IMPORTANT NOTE:  To better serve our customers, we are undergoing a major system upgrade to a new licensing and permitting platform called Momentum.

Beginning October 12, 2021, online Health applications for Food and Pool permits and licenses will be unavailable until October 25, 2021.

Although the previous online system has been disabled, your licenses will be available and visible in the Momentum platform on October 25th.

In addition, paper applications are no longer accepted for Health permits and licenses.  All applications must be completed online once they are available in Momentum on October 25th.  See the list below for licenses and permits affected by this upgrade.

Beginning October 25, 2021, the following Health permit and license applications must be submitted in the new Momentum system.

  • Food service facility permits/farmers market/mobile unit/temporary food service/vending machine
  • Food service manager certification & training 
  • Percolation testing (innovative and alternative)
  • Percolation testing contractor
  • Public swimming pool/spa licenses
  • Pool operator licenses
  • Scavenger company and vehicle licenses
  • Agricultural well certifications
  • Open land burning permits
  • Sewage contractor 
  • Bay Restoration Funds applications
  • Plat Review

If your application or renewal is not received by October 12, 2021, you must wait until October 25, 2021 to submit.

If you have any questions, you may email environmentalhealth@co.pg.md.us or call 301-883-7605.

Thank you for your support and patience as we work to provide an enhanced user experience for our permits and licenses customers.

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Community Partners Fall 2021 cvr

Fall 2021 Virtual Community Partners' Meeting

The combined Community Partner's presentation includes information from DPIE, DoE, DPW&T and PGC311. To view, click the Community Partner's Presentation Fall 2021.

Reunión de socios de la comunidad virtual de otoño de 2021 en español

La presentación DPIE del Community Partner incluye información sobre nuevos programas y servicios. Para ver, haga clic en la imagen del socio de la comunidad.

Community Partners Fall 2021 cvr SPANISH, swirls in background
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Welcome to the DPIE Virtual Permit Cafe, for Homeowner Walk-Through Permits 2B

New Virtual Permit Café (VPC)

Beginning September 1, 2021, DPIE will launch the VIRTUAL PERMIT CAFÉ (VPC) for homeowner walk-through permits only, following COVID-19 safety protocols. The Virtual Permit Café is an online system that allows customers to have plans reviewed virtually, instead of in person. A list of the eligible permit types can be found HERE.

VPC is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays only, from 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m., for scheduled in-person homeowner walk-through appointments. These appointments can also be performed from the applicant’s home, office or a remote location.

Monday, Tuesdays and Fridays the Permit Center will be open from 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. for limited virtual services.

For more information on DPIE's Homeowner Walk-Through Permit Process, visit our Virtual Permit Café (VPC) page.

Guidelines for Visiting DPIE

DPIE is employing approved safety protocols for staff and visitors to the building.

1.  You must wear an appropriate mask over your nose and mouth at all times. Bandanas and gaiters are not allowed.

2.  Once you are admitted to the building, you must sign in at the lobby security desk and show a government-issued ID to confirm your appointment.

3.  If you are ill, you will not be admitted to the building. A standing temperature machine is available in the lobby. If your temperature exceeds 100.4 degrees, please leave and reschedule your appointment for when you are well.  

4.  If you are well, have no temperature and are exhibiting no symptoms, you should arrive at the DPIE front entrance parking lot (flag entrance) 10 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment. You may be asked to wait in your car or outside until you are called to enter the building. A limited number of customers will be allowed in the reception/lobby areas. 

6.  You will be escorted to your meeting location. 

7.  VISITORS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO MOVE ABOUT THE BUILDING UNESCORTED.

8.  After your appointment, you must depart the building promptly.

Divisional Information

WALK-THROUGH PERMITS BY APPOINTMENT (Homeowners Only)
Time:  Wednesday and Thursday, only, 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m., by appointment. Walk-ins will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Location:  New Virtual Permit Café in the Permit Center
Services offered: Application submission and plan review for walk-through permits (homeowner only), assistance with permit and license-related questions
Service requirements:  Review the lists of eligible homeowner permits and appointment scheduling information.
For information, call 301-636-2050.

PERMITTING AND LICENSING
Time: Monday, Tuesday and Friday, 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m., by appointment.
Location: DPIE lobby (check-in)
Services offered: Application submission, assistance with permit and license-related questions.
For information or to schedule an appointment, call 301-636-2050.

SITE/ROAD PLAN REVIEW
Time:  Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m., by appointment.
Services offered: Assistance with site/road questions
For information or to schedule an appointment, call 301–636–2060.

BUILDING PLAN REVIEW
Time:  Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m., by appointment.
Services offered: Assistance with building plan review questions
For information or to schedule an appointment, call 301–636–2070.

INSPECTIONS
Time:  Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m., by appointment.
Services offered: Assistance with inspections related questions
For information or to schedule an appointment, call 301–636–2080.

CODE ENFORCEMENT
Time:  Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m., by appointment.
Services offered: Assistance with code enforcement questions
For information or to schedule an appointment, call 301–883–6168.
 
ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS
Time:  Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m., by appointment.
Services offered: Assistance with Administrative Hearing Unit-related questions
For information or to schedule an appointment, call 301–636–2023.

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR  
Time:  Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m., by appointment.
Services offered: Assistance with DPIE related-questions.
For information or to schedule an appointment, call 301–636–2020.

Divisional Phone Numbers

  • DPIE Main Number:  301–636–2000
  • Permitting and Licensing Division:  301–636–2050
  • Site/Road Plan Review Division:  301–636–2060
  • Building Plan Review Division:  301–636–2070
  • Inspections Division:  301–636–2080
    Automated Inspection Request/Information System (AIRIS):  301–755–9000
  • Enforcement Division:  301–883–6168
  • Administrative Hearing Unit:  301–636–2023
  • Director’s Office:  301–636–2020
  • Public Information Office:  301–636–2053
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DPIE Alert - Storms, advice to help mitigate damage to your property flyer
Enforcement Code Changes Notice
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Improperly Installed Fences May Cause Drainage Problems and Flooding!

Every time it rains, many homeowners experience drainage issues on their properties. Some of these drainage complaints result from improperly installed fences. An improperly installed fence can block storm flows — runoff from storm precipitation — and cause water to pond in your yard or your neighbor’s yard. Blocked water can damage fences, draw mosquitoes and hasten lawn erosion.

Fences must be installed with storm flows in mind to ensure fences don’t block stormwater flows!

For more information, view the Drainage flyer.

Improperly Installed Fences May Cause Drainage Problems and Flooding!
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Drainage issue on homeowner's property, photo of ponding on side of the house by fence

DPIE’s Drainage Defects Complaint Program

DPIE’s Drainage Defects Complaint Program is for new homes, pursuant to Section § 1-1313 of the Maryland Annotated Code:

To evaluate complaints of drainage defects, please click here to complete the Drainage Complaint Form and email to dpiedrainage@co.pg.md.us.

For questions, call 301-636-2060.

Drainage and Flooding

DPIE Partners with Sister Agencies to Address County Drainage Issues, Flooding

DPIE recently collaborated with DoE, DPW&T and PGSCD on “Drainage and Flooding in Prince George’s County,” a comprehensive report. Access the Drainage and Flooding presentation here or click the image to view it.

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Drainage problems can cause indoor flooding. pic of flooded basement
Identifying possible hazards is the first step in preparing for natural disasters.

Program Addresses Drainage Defects in Newer Homes

DPIE has enhanced its process to address drainage complaints from owners of homes that are five years old or less and whose fine grading permits are still open. The Drainage Defects Complaint Program, which was implemented in October 2020, created enhanced enforcement options to hold builders, developers and engineers associated with new home construction accountable for mistakes related to construction and grading that affect drainage from storm water.

Read more here. . .

Take Precautions to Avoid Injury, Property Damage During Summer Storms

Warm weather brings an uptick in hurricanes, tornadoes, thunderstorms, floods, heavy rains and hail — any of which can turn a beautiful summer day dangerous in just moments. Make sure your family is ready for summer weather disasters.

Read more here. . .

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Notice - Change in Electrical Licenses
Notice - Electrical Code Changes June 2021
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Beautify and Comply Flyer - Spanish, red flowers with property maintenance requirements

Beautify and Comply!

DPIE has implemented a new program to encourage residents to make repairs to their properties to bring them into compliance with County code while planting flowers and making other preparations for summer — “Beautify and Comply!” Under the program, residents are asked to review a list of common property maintenance issues and repair any that exist on their property. Beautify and Comply!

Click image to view flyer in English. Haga clic aquí para ver el anuncio en español.

No Landscape Litter - Trash Receptacle Overflowing onto ground next to air pump

NO Landscape Litter!

The Zoning Unit of the DPIE Enforcement Division works with businesses to address property maintenance problems, including allowing trash and debris to accumulate. Property owners and managers are responsible for keeping their properties clear of unsightly litter. Trash receptacles should be sufficient to prevent spillover that creates litter.

The areas around them should be picked up regularly to keep them clear of trash. Failing to maintain a trash-free property is a violation of County code punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 per violation. #nolandscapelitter

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DPIE Attacks Roadside Litter in Sign Blitz

DPIE has a message for those who litter local roadways with illegal signs: we’re coming for the ugly signs and you will be fined.

Enforcement Division staffers seized more than 1,800 illegal signs posted on County rights-of-way during a Sign Blitz on March 30. DPW&T staffers removed 1,700 signs during a blitz earlier this month.

Read more here. . .

Inspector Anthony Elliott heads to the dumpster with an illegal sign
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DPIE Staff Uses Masks, Distancing and Technology to Continue Services During the Pandemic

Monica Hemmatian measures footing for a deck during an inspection
Inspectors Rick Smith and David McLaurin participate in a door-to-door education campaign in Laurel.
Heidi Stearlings working at her desk during COVID

INSPECTIONS

Shaghayegh "Monica" Hemmatian of the Inspections Division measures the footing for a deck during a residential inspection. 

Read more here. . .

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE STANDARDS ENFORCEMENT

Enforcement Division Property Standards Inspectors Rick Smith (left) and David McLaurin prepare to participate in a door-to-door education campaign in Laurel.

Read more here. . .

PERMITTING AND LICENSING

Licensing Supervisor Heidi Stearlings and other members of the Permitting and Licensing Division have ensured that licenses and permits continue to be issued.

Read more here. . .

Larry Long and Gabe Bejarano speak with restaurant owner regarding COVID restrictions

COMMERCIAL COMPLIANCE WITH PANDEMIC REQUIREMENTS

Inspectors Larry Long and Gabe Bejarano consult with a restaurant manager to determine if the restaurant was operating in compliance. . .

Read more here. . .

ILLEGAL BUSINESSES

Last year, the Enforcement Division saw an uptick in illegal home-based businesses. Running a business such as a restaurant, nail salon or auto shop out of a residence is illegal and carries fines of up to $2,300.

NEGOCIOS ILEGALES

El año pasado, la División de Cumplimiento vio un repunte en los negocios ilegales basados en el hogar. Dirigir un negocio como un restaurante, salón de manicura o tienda de automóviles fuera de una residencia es ilegal y conlleva multas de hasta $ 2,300.
Haga clic para ver en español.

Home Based Businesses That Are Prohibited, drawings of nail salon, stove fire, and burglar
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NOTICES

Building Code Changes 2-15-21
DPIE Fee Changes Feb 15 2021
Inspections Division Procedures Update

IMPORTANT: Inspections Procedure Changes Read more here. . .

County Council Constrains Some Rent Increases, Evictions During COVID-19 Crisis

Effective June 29, 2020, the Prince George’s County Council has amended the Landlord–Tenant Code to place prohibitions on some rent increases, evictions and the imposition of late fees during the current COVID-19 health emergency. The Code was amended in Council Bill CB-016-2020, an Emergency Bill introduced May 18, 2020. The legislation was introduced to assist tenants who can provide documentation or otherwise verify that they lost their jobs and their ability to pay rent as a result of the COVID-19 emergency. The provisions of CB-016-2020 will remain in effect until 90 days after the termination of the current Maryland State of Emergency declared March 5, 2020, by Gov. Hogan.

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ePlan Training Web

ePlan Customer Trainings Offered via Zoom

Thursday, October 21, 2021
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

DPIE is offering monthly VIRTUAL training sessions on how to upload applications and plans for review in our ePlan system. Training sessions are FREE and are held the third Thursday of every month. (Please do not come to DPIE offices as they are closed to the public at this time.) The Zoom link will be provided to registered customers 48 hours prior to the training.

All those who wish to attend the October virtual class need to reply no later than October 15th by clicking the activities link. You may also send an e-mail to one of the following contacts or call the phone number:

Robin — ramclean@co.pg.md.us
Danielle — dmrobinson1@co.pg.md.us
Dunia — dksantamaria@co.pg.md.us
Megan — msteward@co.pg.md.us
(301) 636–2050

To cancel or reschedule, please notify one of the above persons via e-mail or call the phone number.

Please Note: If there are less than 4 people signed up for a training, the class will be canceled; the persons signed up to attend will be notified and moved to the following month’s class.

All customers scheduled to attend an ePlan Customer Training session must print out a copy of the "ePlan Applicant User Guide" for the class.

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Comm Partners Meeting DPIE Presentation 4-7-21

Community Partners' Presentations

View recent Community Partners Presentations here.

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Information Translated to Other Languages

In an effort to share both departmental and County information with our communities, we are publishing pages in other languages.  Select the Resources tab at the bottom of the left column.  Be sure and check back on a regular basis as we continue to convert and add additional DPIE documents, as well as County notices and COVID-19 updates.

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Change in Processes Due to the Coronavirus

Plans rolled and stacked to Mail

Changes to DPIE Drop Box

Effective immediately, new Permitting and Plan Review drop box procedures are to be followed. Read more here.

Inspections Hard Hat with County Seal

DPIE Now Offers Virtual Inspections of Limited Projects

DPIE is offering limited virtual inspections as an alternative to on-site inspections. Virtual inspections allow County inspectors to perform on-demand inspections from remote locations, utilizing technology instead of direct interaction with the public. Read more here.

Grapes in farmer's hands

Farmers’ Market Procedures During COVID-19 Emergency

Modifications have been made to the Farmers’ Market Temporary Use Code Operations.  For more information, view the Health Licensing’s Food Service Facility (FSF) Permits page and read the "COVID-19 Farmers’ Market Operations" list of vendor requirements.

Inspector JS working outside with laptop on the hood of his car

Changes to DPIE Inspections Division Inspection Processes

The DPIE Inspections Division has suspended inspections of occupied existing residential/commercial interior renovations, alterations, and any additions associated with the projects. Read more here.

Electrical Panel

Boards & Commissions Electrical Board

The Electrical Board will not be accepting applications for electrical examinations or requests for retakes until further notice.  Please check back for updates.

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Coronavirus germ growing smaller across the page

Coronavirus Information

To stay up-to-date with the latest information, view Prince George’s County Executive Angela D. Alsobrooks’s newsletters.

For more information and printable factsheets in English and Spanish, visit the Health Services page.

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DPIE buildings remain CLOSED to the public until further notice.  At this time, hours of operation are for virtual services only.

Permitting and Licensing & Building Plan Review Divisions Application VIRTUAL Intake Hours Only

Service
 Day Hours
Operational Intake
 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Operational Intake
 Wednesday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Residential Walk-thru
 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Commercial Walk-thru Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Residential/Commercial Walk-thru
 Wednesday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Divisional Office Hours

Division Day Hours
Site/Road Plan Review
 Monday - Friday
 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Inspections
 Monday - Friday
 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Enforcement
 Monday - Friday
 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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